How will you use your authority? This decision can have lasting effects. In different stages of our lives, all of us can have authority over someone else. A young person could be a babysitter for a sibling or a child in the neighborhood. A parent has authority in a family where decisions are instrumental in shaping the next generation. Leadership positions in various areas of life can exercise their authority over others, and lastly, government leaders have authority over others.
When we are immature, we often don’t make wise decisions, and instead of building people up, we do the opposite. As we mature in faith, the Lord shapes and molds us, teaching us as we make mistakes. A once impatient person becomes patient over time. God transforms someone who used their authority to tear others down into someone who builds up others. The good news is no matter of our past mistakes regarding authority, we can change with God’s help.
Mordecai Used His Authority Wisely
How we use authority gives insight into who we are as a person. Mordecai was a Jew and a low-level government official working for the Persian government. While working in the king’s palace, he learned of a plot against the king. Very wisely, Mordecai reported this to his cousin, Queen Esther. She informed King Xerxes of this plot, which saved his life. Several years later, the king rewarded and promoted Mordecai to a significant position inside the Persian government. Mordecai used his authority wisely and blessed the Jewish people.
Esther 10 2 His great achievements and the full account of the greatness of Mordecai, whom the king had promoted, are recorded in The Book of the History of the Kings of Media and Persia. 3 Mordecai the Jew became the prime minister, with authority next to that of King Xerxes himself. He was very great among the Jews, who held him in high esteem, because he continued to work for the good of his people and to speak up for the welfare of all their descendants. [1]
Let the Lord Guide Your Authority
As Jesus ministered on this earth, He always looked to His Father. John 5:19 So Jesus explained, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does. [2] If this is true for Jesus, this tells us we should look to our Heavenly Father to use our authority to be Kingdom builders.
Guided by the Holy Spirit, Peter and John use their godly authority to heal a crippled man. Acts 3:6 But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!” [3] As we look to the Lord on how to use our authority, He will also use us to make a difference in the lives of others.
How will you use your authority? For help answering this question, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/triumph-of-the-jews
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.